An defence minister has confirmed that the MoD is currently looking into the potential security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles, while staff have been told to refrain from talking about secret information in all cars.
Security Advice for Defence Staff
In a recent appearance on LBC, a defence minister commented on claims that MoD staff have been told not to discuss classified information while travelling in Chinese cars.
He said that the ministry is “examining” Chinese vehicles within its vehicle pools, however noted that security is a concern in all contemporary vehicles.
We have a collection of tens of thousands of cars in the MoD and those vehicles represent a tiny fraction.
However whether you’re traveling in a Chinese car or a non-Chinese car, what we’ve asked our people is not to plug MoD technology into their vehicle, not to have discussions at a classified level in any kind of vehicle, due to the growing threats of eavesdropping that exist in all vehicle, to restrict those confidential talks in protected areas. That’s a wise and reasonable thing for anyone concerned about security.
When it was suggested that it would be wise for the MoD to cease using every Chinese vehicles, Pollard replied: ‘That’s precisely what we are looking into at the moment.”
Wider Defence Context
The announcement comes as reports from Scandinavian countries have alerted the United Kingdom to the presence of dual-use kill switches in Chinese electric buses, which could allow China to disable public transport and cause chaos to public transit.
Furthermore, a Russia spy ship was reportedly shining lasers at RAF aircrew, described as a “extremely risky” action by defence officials.
This wider defence environment underscores the significance of strong measures and vigilance in all aspects of government operations, from transport usage to discussions practices.
